Packing for Mars, How I Killed Pluto, Assassination Vacation, Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Reviews
by Jenners • 05/01/2011 • 4 Stars, 4.5 Stars, Audiobook, B Authors, H Titles, History, Humor, I Titles, Non-Fiction, P Titles, R Authors, S Authors, Science, V Authors, W Titles • 80 Comments
Once again, I’ve let my book reviews pile up so it is time for more mini-reviews. This time, I thought I’d share four fantastic non-fiction books I’ve read/listened to lately. I don’t think you can go wrong with ANY of these books.
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life In the Void by Mary RoachPublisher: W.W. Norton, 2010
Pages: 336
Genre: Non-Fiction
Where I Got It: Bought it for my Kindle
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: Mary Roach has used her off-beat humor and curiosity to explore sex (Bonk), cadavers (Stiff) and the afterlife (Spook), so it makes sense she’d take a look at space travel. Of course, being Mary Roach, she’s going to ask the questions we all want to know (but are afraid to ask): How does an astronaut pee and poop in space? Can one have sex in zero gravity? Just how bad do astronauts smell once they come down to Earth? All the answers to these questions and more can be found in Packing for Mars.
My Thoughts: God I love Mary Roach! Her fearlessness, quirky curiosity, and ability to combine humor with science writing makes her books such a treat. Packing for Mars was another satisfying read that was both educational and entertaining. For people who think science writing is dry and boring, I say “You obviously haven’t read Mary Roach yet.”
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming written by Mike Brown and read by Ryan GesellPublisher: Random House Audio, 2010
Length: 7 hours and 48 minutes (unabridged)
Genre: Non-Fiction
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: If, like me, you never really understood why poor Pluto lost its planet-hood, this book by astronomer Mike Brown will explain it to you. After all, he is the one who helped “murder” Pluto with his discoveries of several rather large Kuiper Belt objects. If you think astronomy is a staid and unchanging science, this book will turn that assumption on its head as we learn how Brown’s discoveries led to intrigue, scandal and controversy … as well as murder (of Pluto’s planet-hood. Not an astronomer. It isn’t that controversial.)
My Thoughts: I’ll admit that the title of this book was what ultimately convinced me to give it a try as it struck a note of humor that I look for in my scientific reading. Plus I’d never fully understood exactly WHY Pluto suddenly wasn’t a planet anymore and I wanted to know. The book was a truly enjoyable listen—full of gentle humor, plenty of science explained in a way that non-sciencey people (like myself) can understand, and enough personal stuff (Brown’s marriage and the birth of his first daughter) to balance out the astronomy stuff. Besides learning about the demise of Pluto (which I now wholeheartedly support), I very much enjoyed hearing about what an astronomer’s life is like (lots of trips to Hawaii), how statistics can be applied (rather amusingly) to the development of a newborn, and the fascinating system that exists for naming celestial objects. It was a pleasurable trip into a field I know virtually nothing about, and it inspired me to start paying closer attention to the nighttime skies. I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was a delight. Ryan Gesell did an excellent job capturing Brown’s humor, dedication and desire to educate the world about our solar system.
Assassination Vacation written and narrated by Sarah Vowell (with a host of celebrity guest voices)Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio, 2005
Length: 7 hours and 24 minutes (unabridged)
Genre: Non-Fiction
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: Sarah Vowell goes on vacation to learn more about the assassins of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield and William McKinley. Hilarity (as well as pointed political criticism, weird historical factoids, and astute observations) ensue.
My Thoughts: This was my first exposure to the irreverent, sharp-witted, sarcastic and intelligent view of history that Sarah Vowell provides and it was a real treat! I’ll admit that when I first started the audio and heard Vowell’s rather quirky voice, I had a moment of panic. “I can’t listen to 7 hours of this,” I thought. But I persevered, and after about 10 minutes, I settled into Vowell’s unique phrasing, pacing and voice and really began to enjoy myself. I suspect that this might be a book that is better listened to than read as it meanders quite a bit (but in most enjoyable way). It ends up feeling like a long conversation with a smart but oddball friend who has a wicked sense of humor telling you about her rather odd summer vacation. Part history, part political criticism, part pop culture snark, this was a fun listen and made me a Vowell fan. In fact, I’m listening to her take on the Puritans in The Wordy Shipmates right now.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks written by Rebecca Skloot and read by Cassandra Campbell and Bahni TurpinPublisher: Random House Audio, 2010
Length: 12 hours and 30 minutes (unabridged)
Genre: Non-Fiction
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Brief Description: This is a multi-layered book that tells three interconnected and equally fascinating stories. First, we have the history of HeLa cells—the first immortal human cells grown in culture that led to countless medical breakthroughs (including the polio vaccine). The HeLa cells are still alive today and used in research labs across the globe. Second, we have the story of Henrietta Lacks—the African American woman whose unwitting donation of the HeLa cells was unknown to her family for more than 20 years after her death at age 31 of cervical cancer. Third, we have the story of the author, Rebecca Skloot, attempting to write this book and getting to know the Lacks family, in particular Henrietta’s daughter Deborah. Their unlikely friendship and discovery of Henrietta’s story forms the living heart of this book and helps it to transcend being “just another non-fiction book.”
My Thoughts: I’d heard so many positive things about this book that it broke down my initial reluctance to read it. I didn’t think I was all that interested in tissue culture, and I don’t gravitate to biographies as a rule (especially for people I’ve never heard of before). Boy, am I glad I listened to everyone who raved about this book! Skloot manages to weave the three stories together in a way that was fascinating, heart-breaking, educational and involving. I discovered that I cared very much about issues related to tissue culture. I also got caught up in what Skloot went through to tell Henrietta’s story. And my heart broke for Henrietta and her family, whose challenges in life were considerable and yet were borne with dignity and grace. This is non-fiction writing at its finest.
About the Audio: Cassandra Campbell is the primary narrator and does a wonderful job. This was a long listen, and yet I never grew tired of listening to her voice or the story. My version included an interview with the author at the end, which was a real treat (even though it threw me off that she didn’t sound like Cassandra Campbell, who I had begun to think of as Rebecca Skloot!)
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I absolutely love Sarah Vowell. Yes, her voice is annoying, but after listening to several of her books in audio form, I recently read an actual Vowell BOOK —and I still heard her voice narrating it. (Do you know she was the voice of Violet in “The Incredibles” film and video game?) I always liked history in school, but we rarely got into much depth on anyone or any particular time period, so I learn much about history that I never knew before from Vowell. (Are you listening Sarah Palin?) I also like that she relates historical events to today’s issues and manages to make me laugh, too.
Skloot’s Henrietta Lacks book blew me away. It reminded me of a detective novel —Skloot searching for clues to solve the mystery of the HeLa cells, Henrietta and her family. It was one of those books I could not stop reading. It also brought up issues I had never considered —that our cells and tissues can be used without our knowledge or approval.
I’ll order those other titles from my library. Both sound interesting.
I spent the first 55 years of my life reading fiction for pleasure and reading non-fiction only when required for a class or if it concerned a special interest of mine. But then I picked up a few memoirs which I enjoyed. Then I read a few other random non-fiction works and enjoyed those, too. Lately, I intersperse my non-fiction with an occasional fiction novel. I’ve read so many detective/mystery/crime novels —many by the same authors —that they have become predictible, even in the hands of master story-tellers like Lee Child, Linda Barnes or Michael Connelly. But non-fiction is always full of surprises.
As Mark Twain said: “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn’t.” (Following the Equator, Pudd’nhead Wilson’s New Calendar)
I love your thoughtful comment. I really love Vowell’s voice now and couldn’t imagine her NOT reading her books. I’m excited to explore more of her books.
And I was like you for a long time…avoiding non-fiction. For me, the entry into it was Bill Bryson. I’ve never looked back since.
Gee—it’s only been 4 months since you wrote your response —I’ve been traveling, so haven’t been keeping up. You mentioned Bill Bryson. Have you read his book “At Home”??? I’ve read several of his books, but this one was my favorite. He goes from room to room in his home and tells the history of how each room came to be, including the things we keep in it. It was history, archeology, sociology, science, etymology, and humor, all rolled into one.
By the way, I found a Portuguese translation of “A Vida Imortal de Henrietta Lacks” at the airport while waiting for a flight from Iguaçu Falls to Rio de Janeiro. I’m so glad it is being read worldwide. Besides being an entertaining read, the issues it addresses regarding medical ethics are important.
Glad to hear from you! Sounds like you’ve been having many adventures … good for you. And I read At Home last year (right after it came out) and just loved it. It was such an original idea, and he executed it perfectly.
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction but I want to read a couple of these especially The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I’ve read such good reviews on it and can’t wait till I get the chance to pick it up myself. Thanks for the great reviews on these!
I hope this post encourages you to try more nonfiction. There are so many amazing nonfiction books out there that are just as interesting and compelling as fiction books.
I’m not big on the non-fiction books but you’ve piqued my curiosity over these four books. I’ve heard of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack before and have seen all the raving reviews for it but I guess the fact that it’s non-fiction made me not want to read it. Maybe I’ll get it as an audio book and listen to it while I do things around the house….
You must try some of these non-fiction and you’ll get HOOKED — I promise!
I love Mary Roach in particular. Have you read Stiff??
I’ve read everything but Bonk, which is on my TBR list. I hope she is working on a new book now!
Nice reviews! I want to read Packing for Mars.
Packing for Mars was just such a fun read … and you learn too, which is always a bonus.
I really like how you snuck in 4 reviews into one blog post! My books have stacked up too and are waiting impatiently for me to write the reviews….Have I told you lately how impressive you are????
And now I have a question – when do you find time for all these audio books? I’m lucky if I get in one a month and I love them! I’m sure I’d really enjoy the The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – I’ve even picked it up at the bookstore and put it back down thinking of all the books waiting to be read by my bed! I will add it to my TBR list; that one and the first one you mentioned – it sounds hilarious!
The thing is that I STILL have 12 reviews waiting to be written. Look for more mini reviews coming up or I’ll never catch up with myself. I’m a faster reader than a reviewer. : )
And I’ve been listening to the audios when I go on my daily walks. The audios actually make me walk so that is about 2.5 to 3 hours a week. And then I listen to them when I’m doing housework sometimes so that is another 2 hours or so. It adds up. But the Lacks book took me a full month to listen to as it was quite long. It just took me a long time to get around to reviewing it … I listened to it back in January!
NONFIC rules!! it seems to get the short shrift around some blogs but i ADORE it.
as for mary roach, i read ‘stiff’ a while back but didn’t realize she has so many other books out there. i’m off to find them at the library. 
I agree … non-fiction rules!!! I never get why some people just write it off. Some of the best books I’ve ever read have been nonfiction. Like with any other genre, you just have to look for the good stuff. And Roach has four books … and I hope she is working on another!
I thoguht the Henrietta Lacks book was great. I tried to get into The Wordy Shipmates a while back, but just couldn’t. Just something about the way Vowell writes that irritated me. Now I should look into the other two you mention here…I keep seeing good things about Mary Roach especially!
I could see that Vowell might not work as well in print. She might be an “audio” author, which I know wouldn’t work for you. I think Mary Roach is brilliant. I only have one book left of hers to read. I hope she is writing another one right now!
I adored the book about Henrietta Lacks – it was so moving on a very human level.
And I must try Mary Roach – I love quirky science!
If you like quirky science, then you will LOVE Mary Roach. She excels at that.
And the Lacks book was such an amazing story on so many levels. I was amazed at how she managed to intertwine all the stories into one amazing whole.
Mary Roach and Sarah Vowell are both da bomb! And I think Vowell is even better on audio, ’cause her snark really comes through.
And I still feel bad for Pluto.
I do think Vowell is probably an audio author. You need that voice and her sarcasm to really get all the nuances. And Pluto is just fine with all his other newfound dwarf planets!!!
My reaction would have been the exact same one on that tissue culture subject, but isn’t it funny how a well-written book can erase that?
I know!! I was convinced I would not be interested in that. A good author can make you interested in anything I think.
I read one other book by Vowell, and it did not convince me to take up more non-fiction. Which is odd, because I like irreverent, sharp-witted, sarcastic and intelligent..
Well, perhaps Mary Roach is more your style. She is all that … and not as political or rambling!
Oh…. demoted? That is so degrading…. poor Pluto
LOL
I’ve been hesitating to read “Henrietta Lacks” for the same reasons you stated. Thanks to your review I will give it a try!
I really resisted. Was sure it was going to be boring or not my cup of tea. I was wrong. Hope you enjoy it. : )
I’ve read and loved all but the Pluto book, so obviously that one has now been added to my TBR list!
And I think if you loved the others, you’ll love the Pluto book too. : )
I’ve wanted to read Henrietta Lacks for a long time. I started it a few months ago but had to return it to the library before I could finish. Sounds the others need to go on my TBR list, too.
The Lacks book was soooo good. I can’t imagine having to return it without finishing it. It is a long one though!
I’m going to check out Packing for Mars – I would like that.
On a somewhat related note – Space Shuttle Launch tomorrow. Could be the last one ever.
Wow …the last one ever? That is kind of sad in a way. I wonder what they are planning next? If you’re into space travel, you’d probably love Packing for Mars!
YAY for The Immortal Life – I am so glad you listened to it… I did as well…
As for Pluto… man… I did not know it was no longer considered a planet……. that is embarrassing!
Yeah … it got demoted to dwarf planet a few years ago. I’m glad I could fill you in! : )
Non-fiction on audio can be great! The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was one of my favorites last year. I’ve got Mary Roach’s Stiff in my audio queue and am tempted to add Sarah Vowell now, too. Bought my husband the Pluto book for Christmas, but don’t think he’s gotten to it yet.
Steal the Pluto book from him! I thought I t was so interesting. The audio version was just a fun listen. You might want to sample Sarah Vowell first…her voice is definitely an acquired taste but I grew to enjoy it.
Once again Jenners, your enthusiasm and enjoyment of audio books make me want to get on that bandwagon right away. All of these mini-reviews got me thinking about expanding my reading choices into new areas. I never thought that I would be interested in a science read but you gave me some good choices here. Thanks!
Science writing done right can be fantastic. Mary Roach excels at it. And audios have been a revelation to me. Nothing else has gotten me to exercise as regularly as listening to audiobooks. I’ve been walking for 1.5 months now five days a week thanks to them!
All of these books look very facinating to me. Thanks for making such marvelous suggestions.
They are fascinating. I just devoured them…and was entertained AND felt smarter.
You’ve been busy with some good books. Loved Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and well, Mary Roach is awesome as well. Have a great May Jenners.
I’ve been on a roll picking nonfiction books lately. It has been great!
they all sound like very interesting books, and
as always, you gave intriguing reviews. i, however,
never read non-fiction, as i need pretend.
My goal is to get everyone to read nonfiction!!! I’ll haveq to keep working on you.
You are spot on with why I love my non-fiction tears….for every dreamed up story there is one just as inspiring, unbelievable, and convoluted!!
I loved the idea of listening to them on audio. My commute is so short nowadays that I forget this idea, but a good bike ride with an audi sounds like a good combo. Maybe I will forget how afraid I am that I might crash.
Thanks for somje excellent reviews. You’re awesomer -as always!
Audios are the only reason I’m sticking to my exercise routine. And I think nonfiction has some of the best stories out there.
I am listening to Packing for Mars with my husband on audio right now, and I am loving it as well. I really want to read all of Roach’s books, she is just a fantastic and quirky author. I also really want to read the Henrietta Lacks book, as I have heard nothing but good things about it since it first came out. Sarah Vowell is another author I want to try, and I have Unfamiliar Fishes on my review stack coming up. I’m excited!
I think Roach is such a treat. I hope she is working on something new. And the Lacks book is as good as everyone says. Lucky you for scoring Unfamiliar Fishes. I plan to get it soon…probably on audio!
I like Sarah Vowell. I first heard her on This American Life (you can hear complete archived programs on their web site). Partly Cloudy Patriot is also good.
I’ve not read/listened to the others…may have to give them a go!
I’ll have to try Partly Cloudy Patriot. I don’t thinki had that on my radar for some reason.
I listened to Assassination Vacation and found it very mildly amusing. The Wordy Shipmates is better, I think, and I also listened to it.
I do think her stuff is mildly amusing…not laugh put loud funny. It does amuse me how she manages to tie in historical events to modern pop culture. And her phrasing amuses me. I wonder if I would find her as funny in print.
I’ve not been adjusting well to listening to books. Great post thanks.
It took me awhile to catch on to it. A good production and reader makes all the difference I think. And you can’t let your mind wander, which was my problem forever. Now I listen when exercising and it makes the time go by so much faster.
These books sound like good fun. I’ve heard lots about the Henriette Laks book.
I still mourn Pluto as a planet.
I felt bad about poor little Pluto…until I found out why. It was good to get the full story behind what happened.
I tried to listen to the Wordy Shipmates but was completely turned off by the author’s voice. I enjoyed watching her on The Daily Show, but then heard her reading from her book on BookTV this weekend and had the same knee-jerk reaction. I may just have to read her books instead of listening.
I can see that reaction. Her voice is very unusual. It grew on me but I could see it being an insurmountable hurdle for some.
I must admit these sound good. I already know I like Mary Roach, so it didn’t take much convincing on that one. I was crushed when Pluto got demoted, so perhaps I NEED to read the second. Heck…I should just read ALL of them!
They are all so good in different ways. But finding about the reason why Pluto got demoted was most interesting. I felt like it should have been explained better in the media.
I’ve not read anything by Mary Roach. How can this be?
Speaking of good nonfiction, you might like Methland by Nick Reding.
You must remedy that! Mary Roach is a nonfiction reader’s delight. And thanks for the tip!
I don’t read much non-fiction, but I really should. I do have The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on my hold list at the library. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
I still haven’t picked up a Mary Roach book, but I really need to get one that. Yay for educational and entertaining!
Nothing better than learning while being entertained. I think the best nonfiction manages to do that.
Cool! Thanks for the awesome mini-reviews. Packing For Mars and Henrietta Lacks were already on my TBR list and now they have moved up — the other two, I have added! I really enjoy non-fiction.
I think nonfiction can be fantastic and it always makes me sad when people say they don’t read it. Some of these books were the best I’ve read this year.
Packing for Mars is the only Roach book I haven’t read yet. I loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks!
What are you waiting for? Read the Mars book now. Of course, you might be saving it if it is the last one you have left to read.
I’m totally with you on Mary Roach; I think she’s my hero actually. I haven’t read the other three, but I will definitely be checking them out, especially that Pluto one. I love the title.
I adore Roach too. She has carved out quite a lovely little niche for herself. I can’t wait to see what she will tackle next. And the Pluto book was a delight.
Having listened to a lot of audio books recently I do think there is a difference, you experience it in a different way, but you have similarly ‘consumed’ the contents of the book so I think of it as having ‘read’ it.
I too loved Henrietta Lacks, excellent book, and have just found some Mary Roach in the library, so will give it a whirl
thanks for sharing
martine
It is a very different experience and some books work for me better on audio than in print (and vice versa). Ive enjoyed every Mary Roach book I’ve read. So sad I only have one more left to read.
I’m curious…. does “listening” to a book being read count as reading a book? I wouldn’t know, I can’t hear well enough to try, but it just always been something I wondered. I would think of it more as “hearing a story” but not “reading this book”.
I think it counts. I resisted audio books for so long but now I am hooked. I am sorry can’t enjoy this form of reading.
LOVED The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks! I listened to it, too, and thought it was very well done. I think I have Assassination Vacation in print on my shelf, and I know I have Packing for Mars, both of which I now want to read sooner rather than later. I hadn’t heard of the Pluto book, but it sounds really interesting! I’d probably read it just for the title, too
I thoughtnHenrietta Lacks was extraordinary. She did an amazing job tying everything together. Sometimes I think I
Ike nonfiction better than fiction…especially when I have a great run of books like this.